‘X-Men’ Star Inde Navarrette Goes Gothic and Glam in Her ‘SNL’ Halloween Promo Portraits
Every ‘Saturday Night Live‘ host gets a moment in the spotlight, but the Halloween episode tends to bring out the show’s most theatrical side. Few actors fit that mood better than someone whose breakout came from horror. This year’s host arrived with exactly that pedigree.
Inde Navarrette made her hosting debut on October 31, the fourth episode of Season 52 and one of the few Halloween night episodes in the show’s history. The 25-year-old actress rose to prominence as Nikki in the horror film ‘Obsession’, and Gracie Abrams joined her as musical guest. It marked Abrams’ second time performing on the show.
Now the Inde Navarrette SNL promo photos are making the rounds online, and they show the host leaning into the spooky season. The set features dramatic, high-fashion portraits shot with the show’s logo in the corner, ranging from moody and gothic to bright and playful. The images have been drawing plenty of attention for how fully the host embraced the theme.
Inde Navarrette stuns for SNL. 📷 https://t.co/GItGlCnMSp
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) November 1, 2026
The images are striking in their variety. In one, Navarrette poses against a dark background in an off-the-shoulder black gown, holding a candelabra with three lit candles for a candlelit Victorian feel. Another shows her against a bright pink backdrop, laughing, with rosy blush on her cheeks, a cascade of dark curls and dangling earrings.
A third portrait takes the horror theme further, placing her in a corseted black outfit amid spiderwebs with one hand raised to her face. A close-up of sheer layered clothing and pointed black heels rounds out the set. Together, the pictures play on classic haunted house imagery while still feeling polished and modern.
Inde Navarrette’s monologue! https://t.co/l4KCxVpyfS
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) November 1, 2026
The promo shoot is part of the standard run-up to each episode. Abrams and Navarrette were photographed together during promos on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the Saturday broadcast. Earlier in the week, Navarrette also appeared in a teaser with cast member Grace Reiter.
In that promo, she stayed stoic during a jump scare and mistakenly treated the Halloween date as Valentine’s Day. She also jokingly described ‘Obsession’ as a rom-com, then snapped into her character’s demeanor when questioned. During the episode, she poked fun at her horror-film role in her opening monologue.
The hosting gig lands at a high point. ‘Obsession’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025, and opened in the United States through Focus Features on May 15, 2026. Her performance drew critical acclaim, and Focus Features began an awards campaign for her in the fall of 2026.
Marvel fans have another reason to watch her. Navarrette was revealed as Rogue in the upcoming ‘X-Men’ film during Marvel Studios’ presentation at D23 on August 15, 2026, with the announcement made by Kevin Feige. She has also filmed a lead role in the horror film ‘Invertigo’ after the festival premiere of ‘Obsession’.
Ahead of the episode, Navarrette said she was taking inspiration from Taylor Swift, who hosted in 2009 and wrote her own monologue song. Seth Meyers later praised Swift’s debut as a perfect monologue. Navarrette said she wanted to bring her own ideas to the stage as well.
That approach fits a host who has been in the middle of a very busy year. Along with the film work, she appeared in a music video for singer Sombr and in a Gap commercial this summer. The ‘SNL’ booking only adds to the sense that 2026 has been her breakthrough.
The show now moves on to the rest of its fall lineup. Druski hosts next on November 7 with The Strokes as musical guest, followed by John Mulaney with Phoebe Bridgers on November 14. Earlier hosts this season include Jalen Brunson, Dakota Johnson and Shane Gillis.
For Navarrette, the Halloween slot gives her another high-profile showcase while her awards campaign gathers steam. If the promo portraits are any indication, her Halloween night turn arrived with plenty of style.
Which of Inde Navarrette's 'SNL' Halloween Promo Looks Is Your Favorite?
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